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(No Model.)

T. M. HASS. Spring Clasp.-

No. 237,744. Patented Feb. 15, I881.

IN VENTOR ATTORNEY wu'msszzs N.FETER5, FMOTO-LITMOGRAPHER, WASHXNGTON. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THEODORE M. HASS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

SPRING-CLASP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 237,744, dated February 15, 1881.

Application filed October 27, 1880. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, THEODORE M. HASS, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Spring-Clasps, of which the followmg is a specification.

This invention has reference to an improved spring-clasp for jewelry-boxes, pocket-books, sleeve and stocking supporters, and the like; and it consists of a hinged'top plate, which is provided atits lower end with side pivots and an inclined transverse flange, the pivots and flange being set between retaining base-plates, to the upper one of which the top plate is hinged. The top plate is adapted to lock either into a separate recessed plate or by means of an opening over a fixed stud of the base-plates, according as the clasp is to be used for boxes or supporters.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a box with my improved spring-clasp attached; Fig. 2, a vertical transverse section of the same on line 00 00,Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are detail views, respectively, of the lower base-plate and the hinged top plate; and Figs. 5 and 6 represent a front view and a vertical transverse section of a spring-clasp adapted specially for pocketbooks and sleeve and stocking supporters.

Similar letters of reference indicate correspondin g parts.

A in the drawings represents the top plate of my improved clasp, which is provided at its lower part with a transverse flange, a, that is set at an obtuse angle of inclination to the main part of the plate A, as shown clearly in Figs. 2, 4, and 6. The transverse flange a is extended at both sides beyond the top plate, A, so as to form pivots a, which are set into raised sockets of an upper base-plate, B. The short pivot-sockets of the base-plate B are arranged at both sides of a transverse connecting-slot, through which the top plate is passed, so as to swing into open or closed position.

Below the upper base-plate, B, and made either in one piece therewith or of a separate piece, is arranged a lower base-plate, B, which bears tightly upon the transverse flange a of the top plate, A, so as to exert a strong spring action thereon and retain the top plate either in open or closed position, according as the inclined flange is thrown to one side or the other of the pivots between the base-plate B B,as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

When the clasp is to be used for jewelry and other boxes a hook is riveted to the upper end of the top plate, A, which book looks into a recess of a connecting-plate attached to the lid or cover of the box, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When the clasp, however, is to be used with pocket-books and sleeve or stocking supporters the top plate is provided with a hole which fits over a fixed pin of the base-plate, so as to retain thereby the fabric that is placed between the spring-pressed top plate and base-plate, the pin and hole being in this case merely the equivalent of the hook and recess of the clasp adapted for boxes. In the latter case the base-plate is provided with prongs, by which it is attached to the leather or elastic with which it is to be used.

The base-plates B B are rigidly connected either by being riveted to the box or attached directly to each other, so that a reliable springaction is exerted upon the inclined flange of the top plate when the latter is swung into open or closed position. The flange causes the two base-plates to spring apart during the swinging motion of the top plate, and to close again when the front plate has arrived at the open or closed position. In this manner a simple and effective spring-clasp is obtained without the use of a special spring, which latter forms an objectionable feature of most spring-clasps, as by the setting of the spring their effectiveness is destroyed.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- In an improved spring-clasp for jewelryboxes, pocket-books, &c., the combination,with flat connected spring-plates B and B, the upper. plate,B, of which is provided with a transverse slot and raised end sockets, of a top plate, A, which is hinged by an inclosed tail end or flange having end pivots between the plates B B, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of two witnesses, this 8th day of October, 1880.

THEODORE M. HASS.

Witnesses PAUL GoEPEL, CARL KARP. 

